Clarinet

Clarinet. Nominal pitch: B flat. Black wood with German silver keywork, ferrules and sockets, and plated metal reed cap. Five pieces: mouthpiece, barrel, left hand joint, right hand joint integral with lower joint, bell. Cork-lapped tenons. Simple system thirteen key model. With “Patent” C sharp and Barret action on upper joint. Register key has touch at back above thumbhole and flap at front. The hole itself has a wide metal chimney. Lower joint has thumb rest formed from curved metal sheet. This has been moved downwards and was originally closer to the top socket. Mouthpiece has ligature and reed. Barrel and bell are stamped: RUSHWORTH & DRAPER/ISLINGTON/LIVERPOOL; Mouthpiece is stamped: JOHN GRAY; although this is unlikely to be the maker.